Dental FAQ’s and Patient Education

An abscessed tooth is an infection that includes pus and swelling of the soft gum tissues surrounding the tooth. They usually happen when there's an opening in the enamel of a tooth, such as a cavity. Bacteria enters here and infects the pulp (center) of the tooth and cause an abscess.

Usually, they develop from tooth decay or tooth trauma, such as a broken tooth. Once an abscess happens, the infection could spread throughout the mouth and body. A root canal is usually the only option to save a tooth once it has become abscessed.

If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, you should see your dentist right away.

Decay occurs when plaque — the sticky substance that forms on teeth — combines with the sugars and/or starches of the food that we eat.

This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.

Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and check up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check ups more than twice a year. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check up.

Your regular check ups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy as well as detect any early problems such as gum disease, oral cancer and cavities.

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. Basically, tooth sensitivity means experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks or ice cream. Some people with sensitive teeth even experience discomfort from brushing and flossing. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated.

When the element fluoride is used in small amounts on a routine basis it helps to prevent tooth decay. It encourages "remineralization," a strengthening of weak areas on the teeth.

These spots are the beginning of cavity formation. Fluoride occurs naturally in water and in many different foods, as well as in dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels, varnish and supplements.

Fluoride is effective when combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

Gum disease occurs in two major stages that are gingivitis and periodontitis.

The early stage is called gingivitis and it is treatable and can be reversed if caught in the earliest stage.

The more advanced and serious stage of gum disease is called Periodontitis, and this stage includes bone loss and is irreversible.

Failure to properly care for the teeth and gums, resulting from poor oral hygiene is the most frequent cause of periodontitis.

 Some symptoms include:

• Red and swollen gums that bleed easily
• Gums separating from the teeth
• Loose teeth
• Frequent bad breath
• Change in your bite
• Change in the way dentures or partials fit

Pregnancy is known to be a time of joy and concern for the new mother, there's so a lot to deal with. The body has to make a lot of changes in order to prepare for the growth of this new body within. Because of the increase of hormone levels during pregnancy, dental problems can be intensified, increasing the need for good oral hygiene.

A common dental problem during the first trimester is a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. The symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include swollen, bleeding, red and tender gums.

It is important for your fetus that you practice good oral health before and during pregnancy. It has been found by some researchers that the serious stage of gum disease, periodontitis, may cause low birth weight in babies and even premature birth.

• Brush your teeth well at least twice a day to properly remove plaque. According to the Academy of General dentistry, the average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds a day, the recommended amount of time is 2-3 minutes.
• Floss daily. Flossing removes food stuck between your teeth that your toothbrush didn’t reach.
• Purchase and utilize an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Antimicrobial mouth rinses have been found to prevent gingivitis. Ask one of our offices for free samples.
• Schedule regular check ups and cleanings with your dentist.
• Scrape or brush your tongue daily in order to remove bacteria.
• Make sure to eat healthy snacks and nutritious meals, avoiding sugars and other junk foods.

Symptoms include:

• A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within 3 weeks.
• A lump or overgrowth of tissue anywhere in the mouth.
• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
• Difficulty in swallowing, chewing or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth.
• A feeling that something is caught in the throat.
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness that persists more than 6 weeks.
• Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
• Neck swelling present for more than 3 weeks.
• Unexplained tooth mobility persisting for more than 3 weeks.

A recent consumer survey found:

• 50% consider the smile the first facial feature they notice
• 80% are not happy with their smile

The average women smiles about 62 times a day! A man? Only 8!

Kids laugh around 400 times a day. Grown-ups just 15

People who drink 3 or more sugary sodas daily have 62% more dental decay, fillings and tooth loss.

More Details:

• Americans spend $2 billion a year on dental products
• 94% of Americans say they brush nightly: 81% say they do it first thing in the morning.
• 28% of people say they floss daily.